Political Fallout for Manikrao Kokate
Maharashtra’s Agriculture Minister, Manikrao Kokate, has found himself in the midst of controversy and backlash following two separate incidents that have sparked criticism.
Incidents Leading to Criticism
A video that went viral showed Mr. Kokate engaged in playing a mobile card game during a legislative session. This was followed by his contentious statement referring to the state government as a “beggar,” drawing sharp condemnation from opposition leaders.
The repercussions of these events have intensified the pressure on the ruling alliance, with particular focus on the NCP under the leadership of Ajit Pawar, to which Mr. Kokate is affiliated. The NCP has distanced itself from his behavior, with senior leader Sunil Tatkare hinting at possible disciplinary measures.
Political Journey of Manikrao Kokate
Mr. Kokate, born on September 26, 1957, in Somthana village, Sinnar, has had a long and varied political career spanning over three decades. He has been associated with multiple political parties, including Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena, BJP, and his current affiliation with NCP under Ajit Pawar.
Starting his political endeavors as a student activist, Mr. Kokate steadily climbed the ranks by holding positions in local governance bodies. His strong presence in the Sinnar Assembly Constituency is evident from his five consecutive victories in elections.
Legal Controversy
In a significant legal development, a court in Nashik convicted Mr. Kokate and his brother in a 1995 case related to cheating and forgery. Despite the conviction, he managed to secure a stay on the sentence, allowing him to continue his duties as an MLA.
Recent Allegations and Response
Recent allegations against Mr. Kokate include a video purportedly showing him playing a game on his phone during a legislative session, which he refuted by claiming he was closing a pop-up ad. Additionally, his comment on the state government further fueled the controversy, although he clarified that the remark was in response to detected irregularities in a government scheme.
Overall, the unfolding events have placed Manikrao Kokate under intense scrutiny, with repercussions reverberating within political circles in Maharashtra.